The changes in leadership shaping the U.S. House of Representatives
Republicans will have a slim majority in the House when the new legislative term begins next year.
The U.S. Capitol Building.
Next year will highlight the beginning of major changes for both parties in the House as Republicans begin the year with a slim majority. California representative Kevin McCarthy is the seeking to become the Speaker of the House for his first time, with one of the slimmest majorities in history.
On the other side, New York representative Hakeem Jeffries will become the first African American to head a major political party in Congress when he takes over Democratic House leadership from Nancy Pelosi, one of the longest ever to serve in that capacity.
“There is a theory of governing that says the majority of the majority is really what drives ship.” — Azi Paybarah, the Washington Post
Listen: Why Republicans may have a tough time passing legislation next term.
Guest
Azi Paybarah is a national reporter covering campaigns and political news for the Washington Post. He says the Republicans may be able to pass legislation next term, but leadership will have to decide who to side with.
“There is a theory of governing that says the majority of the majority is really what drives ship,” says Paybarah. “So if McCarthy wants to govern 51-49, he really has to win over a wide swath of his somewhat diverse caucus.
“Or he can cut deals with Hakeem Jeffries and potentially face an uprising from like the Freedom Caucus and more hardline members. So he’s going to have to decide when to stick with his base and when to reach across the aisle.”
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